Varicocele is one of the most common diseases among men after puberty. This disease is the most common cause of infertility in men. Also, varicocele can cause the testicles to contract. In this article, we intend to provide complete information on Let’s explain about this disease, its symptoms and treatment methods.
What is a varicocele?
Varicocele is the enlargement and varicose veins of the scrotum (the skin that is on the testicle). This disease is one of the most common diseases of men after puberty. Varicocele is the most common cause of reduced sperm production and quality and infertility in men. A varicocele can also cause the testicles to shrink. Fortunately, most varicoceles are easily diagnosed, but if this disease becomes symptomatic, surgical treatment should be performed.
Symptoms of varicocele
Because varicocele usually has no symptoms, it is often discovered during infertility evaluations or during a routine examination. This disease is rarely painful.
The pain may be:
- It can vary from a dull feeling of discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, or a sharp and sharp pain.
- It increases with sitting, standing or physical activity, especially if it is prolonged.
- During the day, the pain increases as more hours pass.
- Better by lying on back.
- Over time, this disease becomes bigger and more specific. However, if you find pain or swelling or a lump on the scrotum, contact your doctor.
Causes of this disease
Veins and arteries provide blood flow to the testicles. The cause of this disease is not completely clear, but many experts believe that this disease occurs when the dysfunction of the intraveinal valves prevents the optimal blood flow to the testicles. The primary cause of the defective functioning of intravenous valves is the dilation of the veins. This disease often occurs during puberty and usually on the left side, and its cause is related to the location of the left testicular vein. In addition, the presence of this disease in one testicle can affect sperm production in both testicles.
Risk of varicocele
The most likely occurrence of this disease is between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
Its side effects
1- Shrinkage and shrinking of the affected testicle: The volume of the testicles consists of tubes that produce sperm. When this disease develops, the testicles become soft and wrinkled. The main cause of shrinking and shrinking of the testes is not known, but it may be caused by the destruction of the testicle tissue, followed by the presence of some kind of poison in the blood. This happens due to the incomplete functioning of the valves inside the veins of the testicles and increased pressure inside the veins of the testicles.
2- Infertility:It is not known how this disease affects fertility. The vascular system of the testicle keeps the blood temperature high enough to create the best conditions for sperm production. By slowing down and then blocking the blood flow that occurs in this disease, the local temperature of the testicle rises and affects the production and movement of sperms.
diagnosis
The doctor, performing a physical examination, notices an abnormal mass above the testicles that looks like a bag of worms. If the lump is large enough, the doctor can feel it.
If the varicocele is small, the doctor may ask you to stand up and take a deep breath and hold it while bending down (Valsalva maneuver). This movement will help your doctor detect abnormally large veins.
If the physical examination is inconclusive, the doctor orders a scrotum. In this test, using high-frequency sound waves, detailed images of the internal structures of your body are obtained so that the doctor can make sure that you do not have other symptoms. In certain cases, further imaging is recommended to rule out other causes of the disease, such as a tumor in the testicular vein.
Treatment of varicocele
A varicocele may not require treatment, and many men with it are able to reproduce without any treatment. However, if the condition is causing you pain, testicular atrophy, or infertility, or even if you are considering techniques to help your fertility, you may want to be evaluated for the condition. .
The purpose of surgery for this disease is to block the damaged vein so that the blood flow is transferred to the normal veins. In cases of male infertility, treatment of this disease may cause improvement in infertility or improve sperm quality using techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Determining the signs for the treatment of this disease in adolescence can include advanced atrophy of the testicles and examining the results of pain or abnormal sperm. Although treatment of this disease improves sperm characteristics, it is not known whether not treating this disease leads to deterioration of sperm quality over time or not.
The treatment of this disease is associated with relatively few risks, which include the following:
- Formation of fluid around the testicle (hydrocele)
- Recurrence and return of varicocele
- infection
- Damage to an artery
Treatment methods include:
Open surgery:
This surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia. Usually, the surgeon enters the vein through the groin, but sometimes an incision may be made on your abdomen or under your groin.
Advances in the treatment of this disease reduce complications after surgery. An advanced type of treatment is the use of a surgical microscope, which allows the surgeon to see the treated area better during surgery. Another method is the use of Doppler ultrasound, which also helps in treatment.
After two days, you may be able to return to normal and be able to do less strenuous activities. As long as you don’t feel discomfort, you can engage in vigorous activities such as exercise, but only after two weeks.
The pain caused by this surgery is usually mild, but it may last for several days or weeks. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) for a limited time to relieve pain and discomfort.
It is possible that the doctor will restrict you from having sex for a period of time, often for several months after the surgery, in order to improve the quality of the sperm and analyze it, because for the growth of new sperm, It takes about three months.
Open surgery is performed using a microscope through the groin and has a high success rate compared to other surgical procedures.
Laparoscopic surgery:In this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in your abdomen and through this incision, a small instrument is sent inside to treat the disease. This surgical procedure requires general anesthesia.
Subcutaneous embolization: The radiologist inserts a tube into the vein through the groin or neck, and through it, the enlarged veins and arteries can be seen on the monitor. Using a spring or another method, the doctor creates wounds on the veins of the testicles, which cut off the blood flow and can cure this disease. This surgical method is not widely used.
After embolization, you can go back to work after two days and exercise about 7 to 10 days later.
Cases that should be operated on varicocele include:
Rapid atrophy (shrinking) of the testicle, pain, or an abnormal result in semen analysis.
Complications of surgery are very limited and include the following:
- Hydrocele (accumulation of fluid around the testicle)
- Possibility of recurrence of varicocele
- Destruction of testicular arteries
home treatment
Many men who have such conditions and do not know about other treatment methods, use home remedies that very easily cure this disease in men. Home remedies can be used before surgery and at any time. However, some home remedies can help men in the treatment of testicular varicose veins and infertility problems. Including:
Use of vitamins such as c And Ezinc and bioflavonoid supplements
Some natural ingredients like autumn joy, piper cubeba, horse chestnut, alstonia, butcher’s broom, blueberry, etc. are useful, but it is better to consult a herbalist or doctor before using.
Some diet plans are useful and some foods should be avoided such as junk food, processed food, margarine, fast food, alcohol and products made with white flour. Instead, it is recommended to consume olive oil, fish oil, chicken, fresh fruits, whole grains and vegetables. Eating some organic foods is also effective and always keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
Food and lifestyle recommendations to prevent varicocele
Buttermilk, different types of red rice, radish, chickpeas, bael fruit, ginger, pepper, pomegranate, sour fruits, jiggery, sarshir, meat soup and milk.
Consume boiled water with ginger and coriander daily.
Foods to avoid:
- Spicy, salty, sour foods and foods that cause bloating
- Junk food, fizzy drinks, sugary drinks and alcohol
- Foods that are difficult to digest, such as cream, beef and fat, fish, pork, buffalo, sheep, goat, etc.
In your life, avoid doing such things:
- Sleeping during the day
- Having a sedentary life
- Sitting on hard chairs
- Excessive exposure to the heat of the sun
- Driving on rough roads
- resorting to force to defecate and urinate
Measures after varicocele surgery:
After the surgery, you should use a testicle protective bandage. To prevent swelling of the testicles, you can use an ice pack.
Does varicocelectomy lead to disability and infertility?
Varicocelectomy is performed to treat or prevent infertility and does not cause infertility. This surgery does not cause any kind of disability.
